Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 93 Lucas: With Clayton

LUCAS

Challenge him. Rip him apart.

My wolf's snarling has occupied the majority of my short flight to White Peak, getting closer to the man who's tasted my mate in ways that he never should have.

My phone's off, because I don't know what I'll do if he calls.

The primal part of me is incensed, wanting to sink my teeth into his throat and tear it out, savoring every drop of the blood that spurts, content in knowing his soul has departed this world.

But the rest of me recognizes that Clayton is my friend and ally.

What am I supposed to do with all these fucking feelings tripping me up inside? Having Ava back is supposed to make everything easier. Make things simple.

In my absence, will she begin to doubt my words?

If she sees Clayton, would she choose me over him?

I don't have that confidence.

The fated bond between us is my only advantage. That, and the distance I can maintain between her and the alpha I trust with the honor of my entire pack.

I can never let her return to Cedarwood.

There's no way in hell I'll lose the little advantage I have.

touches down, I take a deep breath, trying to center myself. I know Clayton will be waiting at the airport to personally escort me to the Blackwood pack lands. I can't let him see the turmoil raging inside me. I have to maintain

battle. Every step I take through the terminal feels like a countdown to an inevitable confrontation. My wolf paces restlessly beneath my skin, eager for blood. I clench my fists, my nails digging into my palms as I fight

She is ours.

more than competition. My wolf may look at other alphas

better than to attack another

I snap. There's nothing to be done. She is not our mate yet. We can't piss her

back of my head tell me that he's unsatisfied with my reasoning, but he stops snapping for Clayton's blood, giving me some reprieve from

dealing with Blackwood was easier than all the bullshit I have

nostrils as I exit the terminal, an overwhelming assault on my sensitive nose. Sweat, perfume, fast food—it all mingles into a nauseating miasma that makes me want to gag. But beneath it all, one scent stands out, instantly putting my wolf on high

Clayton.

wolf snarls, hackles

my primal side under control. We can't afford to lose it

features into a mask of calm. But as our eyes meet, I can see it in his face,

greets, his

Anger flares hot in my veins,

Why did it have to

have more pressing matters to

car in strained silence, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavy between us. As we pull out onto the

take it

didn't you tell me?" I ask, my voice deceptively calm. "As soon as you found out, why didn't you call

out myself. I came as soon as I could to help here, because I felt we would need

here to get a chance to see her. Like

really is here to help. He's been helping this entire time, hasn't he? There's no point trying to assign ulterior motives to his actions. We can't get past this situation if I'm going

confession ringing in my ears. He had his hands on